The Buckeyes landed arguably the top group of linebackers of any school in the country last recruiting season, signing five very talented prospects at the position. Thus, the goal was to sign one or possibly two outstanding linebackers this recruiting season.

The Buckeyes took a close look at four prospects, Immokalee, Fla., tackling machine Brian Rolle, Wheaton, Md., inside linebacker Pat Lazear, Aliquippa, Pa., standout Brandon Lindsey, and Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville's Jermale Hines. The OSU staff then narrowed their focus down to Rolle and Hines. With Hines' commitment to the Bucks on Thursday, Jim Tressel has now landed commitments from both.

In Hines the Buckeyes have an athletic prospect who runs very well. He has been recruited as an outside linebacker in the mold of a Cie Grant, but also has enough speed to be a strong safety candidate.